Arenzana De Abajo: Culture, Church and the Najerilla

If you are planning a stay in Arenzana de Abajo, several distinct highlights come together here: a church designated a National Monument, the mechanical Nativity scene, the Najerilla and recurring September traditions. Architecture, a seasonal display, the riverside and festival dates offer different starting points for planning your trip. The key question is whether you would like to discover the town mainly through its architectural history, the Christmas season, time by the river or the festivities.

Church and architecture

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is designated a National Monument. It was built from ashlar masonry during the final two thirds of the 16th century. Its interior is divided into three naves, each with four bays, and includes a three-part polygonal apse. Star-ribbed vaults span the church interior, and at the west end there is a high choir above a star-ribbed vault. If architecture is your main interest, the division into naves and bays, the shape of the apse and the vaults are particularly relevant.

The main altarpiece is made of gilded and polychrome-painted wood, dates from the early 17th century and is adapted to the apse. The ensemble is of considerable historical and artistic value. The church therefore brings together the architectural history of the final two thirds of the 16th century and an altarpiece from the early 17th century: two successive periods that distinguish the building from its furnishings.

Nativity scene and local history

At Christmas, Arenzana de Abajo displays the only mechanical Nativity scene in La Rioja. It covers an area of 50 square metres and comprises 18 scenes. These include scenes of traditional crafts, such as a carpenter, woodcutters and a knife grinder. The Nativity scene is currently located in the church of Arenzana de Abajo. If this seasonal display is important to your trip, plan around the Christmas exhibition and check the specific visiting date in advance.

According to its inscription, the Casa de la Inquisición dates from 1556. Another historical landmark is the Ermita del Carmen: the building was constructed in the 17th century in honour of the Virgin of Carmen and is located on the LR-113 road, very close to the Najerilla. Holy Week also has its own religious tradition in the town. During this time, a procession goes around a wayside cross and then returns to the village.

The Najerilla and September traditions

You can swim in the Najerilla in the Puente de Arenzana area. The area also has an extensive leisure zone with barbecue facilities. Along the riverbanks are planted poplar groves, as well as individual willows and ash trees. There are therefore different ways to enjoy the river: a designated swimming and leisure area on the one hand, and riverside vegetation on the other.

Two culinary traditions in September take place at different times. The Festival del Pimiento y la Anchoa has been held since 1997 on the Sunday before the celebrations in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua on 8 September. The Concurso de Calderetas has been held since 1992 on the first day of the September celebrations. This difference matters when choosing your dates; check the specific event dates before booking.

Discover more destinations: Alesón, Villalobar De Rioja, Briñas, Anguiano, Arnedillo, Ventosa, Torrecilla En Cameros, Peciña.

For the full travel guide: La Rioja.